JSGH Hanami Picnic 2021

We’re very excited to be able to invite you to the first annual JSGH Hanami Picnic!  With the new cherry trees at Gillette Castle, we sincerely hope you’ll join us for an afternoon at Gillette Castle State Park to enjoy the cherry blossoms, and celebrate the end of winter with our first in-person event of 2021!

What : JSGH Hanami Picnic 2021

When : 11 am, April 18th (Sunday)

Where : Goldfish Pond at Gillette Castle State Park, 67 River Rd., East Haddam, CT 06423

The Goldfish Pond is the pond with the picnic tables in this map: https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/stateparks/maps/GilletteCastle_New_printer-friendly.pdf

Cost : Free !!!

Scheduling : Because we are not sure when the new cherry trees at Gillette Castle will bloom, we’re not sure what the exact date of this event will be.  It will likely be the end of April or the beginning of May.  Once the trees start to bloom we will be able to update everyone with an exact date.

Precautions : Although vaccines are becoming more available, because of the lingering risks of the COVID pandemic, we ask all participants to take the following precautions:

1. Attendees should bring their own seating.  There will be space for all, but please bring a chair or a blanket so you can be comfortable.

2. Attendees should bring their own food.  Unfortunately, this is not going to be a potluck event, so you should bring your own refreshments.  However:

   1. We can order a sandwich lunch for you (See RSVP)

   2. JSGH will provide some drinks in bottles and cans, as well as hot drinks.  Please feel free to bring your own refreshments.

3. Attendees should keep Social Distance (at least 6 feet or 2 meters apart from each other) from others.  If everyone does this, everyone should be able to stay safe.

4. Attendees should wear a mask, so please bring one.

5. Attendance will be limited to 40 people.

6. We will be following all guidelines and advisories issued by the State of Connecticut, which are subject to change.

Parking : There’s limited parking near the Goldfish pond, but there is a lot more nearby at the main parking area.

RSVP is required.  Please use this form (https://forms.gle/qiYuJAcPbasZ9Epb9), or by email to jsofgh@gmail.com, saying:

• How many will be attending?

• How many lunches would you like us to order?

  • Each sandwich lunch will cost $10, payable at the picnic or by Paypal (https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/JSGH)

Rain Date : Will contact all attendees who RSVPed in case of change of plans.